Page:Dictionary of National Biography volume 42.djvu/190

 that he died in 1663, aged 60, both of which assertions are erroneous.

Clarendon draws an elaborate portrait of O’Neill: ‘A great observer and discerner of men's natures and humours, and very dexterous in compliance when he found it useful,' he had, 'by a marvellous dexterity in his nature, and extraordinary influence' over those with whom he was brought in contact. Naturally inclined ‘to ease and luxury, his industry was indefatigable when his honour required it, or his particular interest;' ‘he was in subtlety and understanding much superior to the whole notion of the old Irish’—qualities which earned him the nickname of ‘Infallible Subtle,' and the distinction of being the first Irishman to occupy a conspicuous position at the court and in the English administration. In 1642 he was described as being ‘of a sanguine complexion, of a middle stature, light brown hair, about the age of thirty years, little or no beard.' A number of letters from O'Neill are printed in the works mentioned below, especially Carte's ‘Collection of Original Letters,' the ‘Clarendon State Papers,' and Gilbert's ‘Contemporary History of Affairs;’ many letters, memoranda, and plans are among the Carte MSS. in the Bodleian Library.

He married Catherine, eldest daughter of Thomas, second baron Wotton, and widow of (l) Henry, second baron Stanhope, by whom she was mother of Philip, second earl of Chesterfield; and (2) John Poliander der Kirckhoven, lord of Henfleet, Holland, by whom she had Charles Henry, subsequently created Baron Wotton and Earl of Bellamont. For her services at court she was created Countess of Chesterfield for life; she died in 1666, and was buried at Boughton-Malherbe. O'Neill had no issue by her to whom he left all his wealth; but apparently he had by a previous marriage a son Harry, whom he educated as a protestant; nothing more is known of him, and he probably died young.

 O'NEILL, ELIZA (179l–1872), actress. [See .]

 O'NEILL, FELIM (1604?–1668). [See .]

 O'NEILL, FLAITHBHEARTACH (d. 1036), king of Ailech, son of Muircheanach (d. 943) [q. v.], and grandson of Niall (810?–919) [q. v.], is sometimes called Flaithbheartach an trostain, i.e. of the pilgrim's staff—a name given to him because he went on a pilgrimage to Rome. He first appears in the chronicles in 1004, when he ravaged the district of Lethchathail, now Locale, co. Down, and then part of the kingdom of Lesser Ulster or Ulidia. He slew the king of Lethchathail, and in a second battle overthrew the 